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TERRA seed sp. z o.o. is a seed capital fund based in Kraków, Poland, officially registered as an Alternative Investment Fund Manager in April 2018. The fund specializes in financing early-stage projects in the life sciences sector, leveraging a strong academic foundation and a background in the startup industry. TERRA seed aims to support research and development initiatives that emerge from Polish scientific institutions, facilitating their effective commercialization.
The organization has been a member of the Lifescience Cluster since 2019 and rebranded from 'ABAN Fund' to 'TERRA seed' in 2022. Since its inception, TERRA seed has financed 25 innovative R&D projects aligned with Polish National Smart Specializations, with a total program value of approximately PLN 31.4 million (around €7 million), including PLN 25.1 million in subsidies.
Located at ul. Dietla 99/4a, 31-031 Kraków, TERRA seed operates with a dedicated team focused on advancing the commercialization of life sciences innovations. The fund's strategic approach combines grant and subsidy co-financing with venture capital practices, ensuring that portfolio companies receive both financial support and strategic guidance.
TERRA seed invests primarily in early-stage projects, particularly in the life sciences sector, including biotech, healthcare, pharma-tech, medical devices, and diagnostics. The fund is dedicated to supporting research and development projects that originate from Polish scientific institutions, with a focus on facilitating their commercialization. TERRA seed has received funding from the National Centre for Research and Development under the Intelligent Development Operational Program, enabling it to finance numerous innovative projects.
The investment strategy emphasizes financing projects in the Proof of Principle and Proof of Concept phases, which are critical for validating new technologies and approaches. TERRA seed typically invests between €100,000 and €1.5 million per project, allowing for significant support during the early stages of development. The firm seeks founders who demonstrate a strong understanding of their market and possess a clear vision for their innovations.
TERRA seed has built a diverse portfolio of 25 companies, primarily focused on the life sciences sector. Notable investments include:
This portfolio reflects TERRA seed's commitment to advancing innovative solutions in the life sciences and technology sectors, with a strong emphasis on projects that have the potential for significant impact.
Paweł Szydłowski, MBA - Partner | CEO. Paweł has extensive experience in life sciences commercialization and has been instrumental in guiding TERRA seed's investment strategy.
Piotr Kupczak - Partner | Member of the Board. Piotr brings a background in venture capital and angel networks, contributing to TERRA seed's strategic direction.
dr n. med. Bartłomiej Grobelski - Member of the Investment Committee. Bartłomiej has a medical background and expertise in evaluating healthcare innovations.
Jacek Wiśniewski - Member of the Investment Committee. Jacek has significant experience in investment analysis and portfolio management.
Jacek Szkurłat - Member of the Investment Committee. Jacek specializes in assessing technology-driven startups and their market potential.
To pitch to TERRA seed, founders should use the preferred channel of email at biuro@terraseed.pl. A comprehensive pitch deck should be included, detailing the project's vision, market potential, and team qualifications. TERRA seed typically responds within a few weeks, and warm introductions are encouraged but not mandatory.
In 2022, TERRA seed rebranded from ABAN Fund, marking a new chapter in its focus on early-stage life sciences investments. The fund has been active in financing innovative projects emerging from Polish scientific institutions since its inception.
As of 2023, TERRA seed has financed a total of 25 projects, with a program value of approximately PLN 31.4 million. The fund continues to engage with the Lifescience Cluster, enhancing its visibility and connections within the Polish innovation ecosystem.
What are TERRA seed's investment criteria?
TERRA seed focuses on early-stage projects in the life sciences sector, particularly those emerging from Polish scientific institutions. The fund looks for innovations in biotech, healthcare, pharma-tech, medical devices, and diagnostics.
How can I apply or pitch to TERRA seed?
Founders can pitch their projects through the TERRA seed website at terraseed.pl or via email at biuro@terraseed.pl. A detailed pitch deck should be included, outlining the project's vision, market potential, and team qualifications.
What makes TERRA seed different from other funds?
TERRA seed bridges the gap between academic research and commercial viability, providing not only financial support but also strategic guidance to facilitate the commercialization of innovative projects.
What is TERRA seed's geographic scope?
The fund primarily invests in projects based in Poland, focusing on innovations that emerge from Polish scientific institutions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
TERRA seed typically invests between €100,000 and €1.5 million in each project, allowing for substantial support during the early stages of development.
What kind of post-investment involvement does TERRA seed have?
TERRA seed actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and support to help them navigate the commercialization process effectively.
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